Ecclesiastes 2:3

New English Translation

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

Cross References

Genesis 47:9

Jacob said to Pharaoh, “All the years of my travels are 130. All the years of my life have been few and painful; the years of my travels are not as long as those of my ancestors.”

Job 14:14

If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait until my release comes.

Psalm 104:15

as well as wine that makes people feel so good, and so they can have oil to make their faces shine, as well as food that sustains people’s lives.

Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

Ecclesiastes 1:17

So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!

Ecclesiastes 10:19

Feasts are made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward.

Ecclesiastes 6:12

For no one knows what is best for a person during his life – during the few days of his fleeting life – for they pass away like a shadow. Nor can anyone tell him what the future will hold for him on earth.

Ecclesiastes 7:18

It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life. So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth.

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Ephesians 5:18

And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,

Judges 9:13

But the grapevine said to them, ‘I am not going to stop producing my wine, which makes gods and men so happy, just to sway above the other trees!’

1 Samuel 25:36

When Abigail went back to Nabal, he was holding a banquet in his house like that of the king. Nabal was having a good time and was very intoxicated. She told him absolutely nothing until morning’s light.